About
Rotorua is a city in the Bay of Plenty region of New Zealand's North Island, set on the shores of a lake and surrounded by an active volcanic landscape. It is sometimes called Sulphur City, a nickname that reflects the distinctive sulfur smell that drifts through its streets and parks.
The city is a geothermal wonderland. Hot springs, geysers and bubbling mud pools are part of everyday life here, and the ground itself feels alive underfoot. For many visitors, the contrast between the steaming earth and the calm lakeside setting is what makes the place memorable.
What a visit offers
- Geothermal landscapes: hot springs, geysers and volcanic terrain that show the land's unusual character.
- Māori cultural experiences: encounters that share the traditions of the local Māori people, who have a long connection with this area.
- Lakeside surroundings: time spent around the lake and the wider Bay of Plenty landscape.
Planning your trip
Rotorua suits visitors interested in nature, geology and Māori culture. Because the sulfur smell is strong in parts of the city, many people find it helpful to know what to expect before they arrive. Allow time to move between the geothermal sites and the cultural experiences, which are spread across the city and its surrounding area.
